Anaesthesia / Critical Care Strong — derived from 13,152 ICU patients across Europe and North America

SAPS II Score

Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II): 17 variables (worst values in the first 24 h of ICU) predicting hospital mortality. Widely used in European ICUs.

Age*

Heart Rate (worst in 24h)*

Systolic BP (worst in 24h)*

Temperature (worst in 24h)*

PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio (if on mechanical ventilation or CPAP)*

Urine Output (L/day)*

Urea (BUN) — worst in 24h*

White Cell Count (worst in 24h)*

Potassium (worst in 24h)*

Sodium (worst in 24h)*

Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) — worst in 24h*

Bilirubin (worst in 24h)*

GCS (worst in 24h)*

Chronic Disease*

Admission Type*

Score interpretation

Low Risk — < 10% predicted mortality 0–29

SAPS II 0–29: predicted hospital mortality below 10 %.

→ Standard ICU monitoring. Organ-specific treatment. Daily reassessment.

Moderate Risk — 10–25% predicted mortality 30–40

SAPS II 30–40: predicted hospital mortality 10–25 %.

→ Close monitoring. Identify and treat organ failure. Goals-of-care discussion if deteriorating.

High Risk — 25–50% predicted mortality 41–51

SAPS II 41–51: predicted hospital mortality 25–50 %.

→ Intensive organ support. Multidisciplinary review. Goals-of-care discussion with patient/family.

Very High Risk — ≥ 50% predicted mortality 52–163

SAPS II ≥ 52: predicted hospital mortality 50 % or more.

→ Goals-of-care and end-of-life planning essential. Palliative care involvement. Maximal or comfort-focused care per patient wishes.

Interpretation bands for the SAPS II. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Le Gall JR, Lemeshow S, Saulnier F. A new Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) based on a European/North American multicenter study. JAMA. 1993;270(24):2957–2963.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Drugs

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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